08/10/25: Rive Wye, rural crime, new nature reserve
Description
What has been described as the biggest legal claim ever brought in the UK over environmental pollution has been filed at the High Court. Almost 4000 people have signed up to a class action lawsuit against major poultry producers and a water company over allegations of "extensive and widespread pollution" in the rivers Wye, Lugg and Usk. They argue that the state of the rivers in recent years has severely affected local businesses, property values and people's enjoyment of the area - and are seeking "substantial damages". The companies being sued - Avara Foods Limited, Freemans of Newent Limited and Welsh Water - all deny the claims.
When King Charles was crowned, a pledge was made to create 25 new or larger National Nature reserves within 5 years. The "King's series" reserves are meant to move beyond simple conservation - to be bigger, more connected and with nature recovery their primary purpose. The 12th such reserve has just opened and is a significant extension of a reserve in the Yorkshire Dales that contains one third of Britain's flowers and ferns in one biological hotspot.
And all this week we're looking at rural crime. In Scotland, insurers NFU Mututal is reporting a sudden spike in thefts of quad bikes and all terrain vehicles, or ATVs.
Data released by them in September this year shows the value of quad bike thefts in Scotland has risen 90%, compared with 2024. Losses are estimated at nearly 200 thousand pounds up to September, compared to £102,000 for whole of last year.
Presented by Anna Hill and produced by Sally Challoner.
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